Periodontal Disease In Children: Causes, Prevention, And Treatment

Periodontal diseases, also called gum diseases, are severe bacterial infections that eliminate the gums and surrounding mouth tissues. If the inflammation is left untreated, the condition will continue, and the underlying bone surrounding the teeth will dissolve and will no longer be able to hold the teeth in place. Commonly, periodontal disease is not painful, so children are likely to have it and not be aware of it. A dental expert in periodontal disease is called a periodontist.

This blog will help you understand periodontal disease, its causes, precautions, and treatment. You can decide the right step to improve your periodontal condition with the correct information.

Causes of Periodontal Disease

As with many oral health conditions, bacteria and plaque buildup are usually the culprits. Bacterial and plaque buildup is the ultimate cause of childhood gum disease. Other factors that cause severe gum disease in the younger generation include:

• Genetics
• Poor oral hygiene
• Food stuck in the gums
• Mouth breathing that might lead to extreme drying of the gums and teeth in the front of the mouth
• A diet low in nutrients and a vitamin C deficiency
• Smoking or the use of smokeless tobacco
• Autoimmune or systemic diseases
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes in the body
• Bruxism or repeated involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth
• Some medications also cause an overgrowth of the gums
• Gum Disease Prevention

The good news is that gum diseases are often preventable. You can execute prevention strategies into your child or teen’s oral hygiene routine right now to permit them to avoid gum disease and painful dental problems in the future. Some preventive measures include:

• Brush twice a day with a properly sized-toothbrush
• Using fluoride toothpaste when brushing
• Flossing once daily
• Use mouthwash daily
• Visiting their dentist twice a year for regular dental exams

Lastly, as responsible guardians, it is crucial to understand gum disease’s dangers and find ways to prevent it. Risk factors, including age, smoking, diet, and genetics, can increase a child’s risk of developing gum disease and requiring treatment. If you think your child or teen is at an increased risk, discuss that with their dentist at their next exam.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Periodontal treatment depends on your child’s symptoms, age, and overall general health. It will also depend on how bad the dental condition is. Early treatment is necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment can also prevent childhood gum disease from getting worse. If left untreated, bone structure under and around the teeth might dissolve. Treatment of periodontal conditions includes any or a combination of these:

• Good dental care

Regular dental deep cleanings can help kids fight gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Your child will also need to brush and floss daily to prevent the condition from worsening.

• Deep cleaning

The proper treatment can assist in clearing out the plaque and tartar buildup under the gum and infected tissue in the early stages of periodontal disease. It can also smooth the injured root surfaces of the teeth.

• Medicine

Antibiotic medicine is applied in the periodontal pockets and or given in a pill form to take by mouth.

• Surgery

The infected areas under the gums must be cleaned when gum disease is advanced. The tissues might also require to be reshaped or replaced.

Final Overview

Periodontal disease prevention is essential for kids in pre-teen and teen days. Risk factors, including age, smoking, diet, and genetics, can increase a child’s risk of developing childhood gum disease and requiring treatment. If you think your child or teen is at an increased risk, consult that with their dentist at their next appointment.